Research Fellow - AR3356

University of St Andrews; St Andrews; Ibrido; GBP 39.000 - 42.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Relocation support

Hybrid working environment

Pension scheme

Descrizione del lavoro

University of St Andrews invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work on a NERC-funded project examining amorphous calcium carbonate precursor phases and their impact on CaCO3 palaeoproxies. The role involves in vitro precipitation experiments, ACC visualization by TEM, and geochemical analysis.

The successful candidate will collaborate with the University of Edinburgh, contribute to publications, and supervise student researchers as needed.

Competenze

• PhD in earth, physical, chemical or biological sciences with expertise in mineral precipitation, trace element/isotope geochemistry or electron microscopy.

Mansioni

• Identify the conditions under which amorphous calcium carbonate forms in marine calcifiers and how ACC precursor influences palaeoproxy chemistry.
• Conduct CaCO3 precipitations to characterise the fluid environment for ACC formation and transformation under simulated calcification conditions.
• Visualise ACC formation and transformation using transmission electron microscopy.
• Analyse trace element and isotope geochemistry of mineral phases formed via ACC precursor to refine palaeoproxy calibrations.
• Collaborate with University of St Andrews and University of Edinburgh, contribute to data analysis, publication, conferences, and supervise student researchers where appropriate.

Conoscenze

Mineral precipitation

Trace element geochemistry

Isotope geochemistry

Electron microscopy

Formazione

PhD in earth/physical/chemical/biological sciences

Strumenti

Electron microscopy

Descrizione del lavoro

Start date: 4 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. Fixed term: Until 30 June 2030.

Applications are sought for a committed Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work with Dr Nicola Allison on a NERC-funded project entitled "The impact of amorphous calcium carbonate precursor phases on CaCO 3 palaeoproxies".

The primary duties will be to identify the conditions under which amorphous calcium carbonates likely form in marine calcifiers and then to determine how formation, via an amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursor, influences the palaeoproxy chemistry of calcite and aragonite.

The successful applicant will conduct CaCO 3 precipitations to characterise the fluid environment required to form and convert ACC to aragonite and calcite in vitro under simulated organism calcification conditions.

They will visualise ACC formation and transformation using transmission electron microscopy.

They will analyse the trace element and isotope geochemistry of the mineral phases formed via an ACC precursor to refine palaeoproxy calibrations.

The postholder will work closely with collaborators at the University of St Andrews, and the University of Edinburgh and will contribute to data analysis, publication of results, presentation at scientific conferences, and the supervision of student researchers where appropriate.

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in earth, physical, chemical or biological sciences with expertise in mineral precipitation, trace element/isotope geochemistry or electron microscopy.

The post is available for 42 months starting 4.1.27 or as soon as possible thereafter.

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews:

• Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution of 14.5%
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy.

We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.

Closing date: 13 November 2026.

Interview date: w/c 7 December 2026.

Job description: AR3356RS FPs.pdf Ref no: AR3356RS £38,784 to £42,254 pa.